Schuylkill County Judge Christina E. Hale has placed four local people into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program.

The program is for those offenders with no criminal record, or a very limited one, who have been charged with minor, nonviolent offenses.

Those who successfully complete the program may have their records cleared. However, if they fail to complete it, or are revoked from it, then they would face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.

Edwin P. Bartholomew Jr., 58, of Tamaqua, was charged by borough police officer James E. Bonner on June 18, 2021, with driving under the influence, first offense; violating alcohol restrictions, and careless driving.

Hale admitted him to ARD for 12 months, and ordered him to pay $500 to offset the cost of the program. Bartholomew’s driver’s license was suspended for 60 days. He was ordered to successfully complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School; perform 10 hours of community service; pay $100 to the Substance Abuse Education fund; and pay the costs of prosecution. Charges of careless driving and alcohol restrictions were dropped.

Michael T. Fulmer, 60, of Tamaqua, was charged by State Police at Frackville on July 23, 2021, with driving under the influence, first offense; driving under the influence, BAC 0.08-0.10, first offense; and failing to carry his license.

Hale admitted him to ARD for 12 months, and ordered him to pay $500 to offset the cost of the program. He was ordered to successfully complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School; perform 10 hours of community service; pay $100 to the Substance Abuse Education fund; and pay the costs of prosecution. The charge of failing to carry his license was dropped.

Austin J. Rumrill, 20, of New Ringgold, was charged by State Police at Schuylkill Haven on May 31, 2021, with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, first offense driving under the influence of a controlled substance, impaired ability, first offense; failing to keep right; disregarding traffic lanes; and careless driving.

Hale admitted him to ARD for 12 months and pay $500 to offset the cost of the program. Rumrill’s driver’s license was suspended for 90 days. He must successfully complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School; perform 10 hours of community service; pay $100 to the Substance Abuse Education fund; and pay the costs of prosecution. Charges of careless driving, failure to keep right, and disregarding traffic lanes were dropped.

Hanna K. Burnhauser, 24, of New Ringgold, was charged by Pottsville Police on July 23, 2021, with driving under the influence, first offense; driving under the influence, highest rate of alcohol (BAC 0.16+) first offense; and careless driving.

Hale admitted her to ARD for 12 months, and ordered her to pay $500 to offset the cost of the program. Burnhauser’s driver’s license was suspended for 60 days. She must successfully complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School; perform 10 hours of community service; pay $300 to the Substance Abuse Education fund; and pay the costs of prosecution. The charge of careless driving was dropped.